Fly-By-Wire systems

A fly by wire control system is a fully powered flight control system (irreversible) that uses electronic inputs to a solenoid servo valve instead of mechanical inputs from conventional powered controls. The pilot operates the controls, these can be a sidestick and rudder pedals or a conventional yoke with rudder pedals. These controls are fitted with transducers which convert the mechanical movement into an electrical output which is then amplified and processed by several computers. These computers provide the input for the servo valves which controls the movement of the hydraulic actuators attached to the flight control surfaces.

Advantages of Fly-By-Wire

• Weight reduction, as there is no need for the long and heavy control cables this is a big reduction in the weight of the aircraft.
• Pilot work load is reduced because the pilot is supported by the computers with automated features like auto trim and turn coordination. Auto-trim will continuously change the "zero point" of the flight control system, and therefore needs no input from the pilot usually, reducing workload.
• Flight envelope protection, which can prevent the pilot from pitching up too much beyond the stalling angle of attack. It can limit the controls in such a way that the airframe will not endure G forces out of the limits.

Auto-trim will continuously change the "zero point" of the flight control system, and therefore needs no input from the pilot usually, reducing workload. It operates within the usual flight envelope as an integral part of the fly-by-wire system, and operates just fine with flaps/slats extended or retracted.